Manufactured in the 1890s with a total production of approximately 12,800. This particular Palm Pistol is fitted with pearl side plates and has a presentation inscription to inventor Captain John T. Norris. The right side plate is marked "MADE EXPRESSLY FOR CAPT JOHN T. NORRIS SPRINGFIELD OHIO" around the outer edge, and the custom silver monogrammed center plate is engraved with an intertwined "JTN". John Norris was the inventor of the supplemental device known as a "double ring finger guard" which was available for the Palm Pistol. The device was fitted over the muzzle of the barrel and extended back to the frame providing protection for the user's hand. Information on Norris is hard to come by, with almost all of the information discovered in our research related to his exploits as a detective based out of Springfield, active from at least 1890 to 1901. Regarded as a master manhunter, Norris' pursuits took him all over the nation and into Canada on at least one occasion, and in a particular incident torpedoed the career of the police chief of Dayton by catching a diamond thief the Chief sprung from jail in exchange for a cut of the proceeds. It is not known if Norris contributed any other designs to the arms field, and his activities outside of law enforcement have not been identified. This pistol has the standard floral engraved band on the barrel and right side plate outer edge, "THE PROTECTOR/MCH 6, 83 AUG. 29, 93" marking on the left side and hard rubber lever pad. The left side plate is smooth pearl, numbered "8075" on the inside, along with the magazine.

Fine. The pistol retains 60% original nickel finish with a few minor dings and some small areas of light flaking. The removable side plate is loose from the pistol, and the pearl panel with inscription has a couple of minor chips (see image). The action needs some work as it doesn't always cycle. The engraving remains crisp and clear. A rare opportunity to own a palm pistol presented to an inventor, Captain John T. Norris, who influenced its development.